Communities in Indonesia's eastern islands were placed on high alert Tuesday after Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted with fierce intensity, sending massive plumes of ash soaring 10,000 metres (32,800 feet) into the sky.

The volcano, located in the Flores Timur district of south-central Indonesia, is now under the highest alert level as authorities race to safeguard residents within an expanded 8-kilometre danger zone around the crater.

According to the Indonesian Geological Agency, the eruption occurred in the afternoon and released dense grey ash that mushroomed into the air, visible as far as 150 kilometres away. Though no casualties or structural damage have been reported, authorities warned that heavy rainfall in the area could trigger lahars—dangerous volcanic mudflows—along rivers streaming from the volcano’s slopes.

Air traffic remained unaffected in the immediate aftermath, though officials are closely monitoring conditions.

This is not the first time Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has shown its fury. In November last year, a deadly eruption claimed nine lives and left dozens injured. At 1,584 metres high, the volcano is one of a pair—the “male” (Laki-Laki) and “female” (Perempuan) peaks—standing side by side on the island of Flores. While the male volcano has been more volatile, its twin remains relatively calm.

Indonesia, home to more than 270 million people spread across over 17,000 islands, is no stranger to seismic turmoil. The nation sits on the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic shifts frequently trigger earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With more than 120 active volcanoes, the country is constantly walking the line between beauty and danger.

Just months ago, on October 27, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra—one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago—also erupted, reinforcing the region’s vulnerability.

For now, Indonesian disaster authorities are urging vigilance but stressing preparedness. Locals have been advised to stay indoors when possible and avoid rivers and ravines that could carry volcanic material.

As nature reminds us once again of its raw power, communities near Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki are left watching the skies and praying the worst has passed.


By WafricNews Desk.